Enhancing Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete Using Fly Ash and Waterproofing Admixture: A Study on Mechanical Strength and Water Resistance
Tzyy Lih Lee, Chun-Chieh Yip, Lloyd Ling, Kok Zee Kwong, Jing-Ying Wong and Foo Wei Lee* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: yipcc@utar.edu.my
Volume: Vol.52 No.6 (November 2025)
Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12982/CMJS.2025.082
Received: 24 June 2025, Revised: 4 August 2025, Accepted: 5 August 2025, Published: 24 September 2025
Citation: Lee T.L., Yip C.-C., Ling L., Kwong K.Z., Wong J.-Y. and Lee F.W., Enhancing performance of self-compacting concrete using fly ash and waterproofing admixture: A study on mechanical strength and water resistance. Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2025; 52(6): e2025082. DOI 10.12982/CMJS.2025.082.
Graphical Abstract
Abstract
Concrete in hydraulic and marine structures is highly susceptible to deterioration from water ingress, which accelerates degradation and reduces service life. While self-compacting concrete (SCC) improves placement efficiency, achieving both strength and impermeability remains challenging in durability-critical environments. This study investigates the combined use of Class F fly ash (FA) and SIKA WT-220 PMY waterproofing admixture in SCC. FA was used at 0–30% cement replacement, and SIKA at 2% of binder. Compressive strength was tested at 28 and 90 days, alongside water absorption and ISAT for permeability assessment. The 20% FA + SIKA mix achieved early high strength and reached 63.91 MPa at 90 days, while 30% FA + SIKA recorded the lowest water absorption (1.96%), a 37.9% improvement over control. SEM analysis confirmed matrix densification and reduced porosity due to the synergistic action of FA and SIKA. This study presents a novel and sustainable approach to producing high-strength, low-permeability SCC, addressing a gap in literature on combined FA–crystalline admixture systems. The results highlight its suitability for long-term use in aggressive, water-sensitive infrastructure.